AEGiS-15IAC: The role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment efforts: A key informant survey.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

The role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment efforts: A key informant survey.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. E10259)

Woldehanna S, Ringheim K, Murphy C, Atuyambe L, Clerisme C, Im-em W, Keikelame MJ, Nyamongo I, Okolok-Tanga E, Patel Uttekar B, Perry T
Global Health Council, Washington, DC, United States

BACKGROUND: This paper will report on the initial results of qualitative research examining the contribution of faith-based organizations (FBOs) to overall public and private sector HIV/AIDS initiatives. A key informant survey was conducted in 6 countries with high or rapidly growing prevalence rates: Haiti, India, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, and Uganda.

METHODS: Interview guides were developed based on the UNAIDS Global Strategic Framework for HIV/AIDS. Semi-structured interviews examined key informants' perceptions of the extent of FBOs' leadership, collaboration, and contribution to HIV/AIDS strategies (i.e., reducing risk and vulnerability, etc.) From a database of 800 key informants, 25 interviewees in each country were carefully selected to provide well-informed viewpoints and to represent a wide range of sectors and stakeholders including representatives of persons with AIDS (PWA) organizations, NGOs/CBOs, government officials, researchers, health service providers, and FBOs representing major religious groups in each country. Research collaborators in each country conducted face-to-face interviews lasting one to two hours. In addition, 25 international key informants were interviewed. Interviews were taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded according to a consistent coding framework and systematically analyzed using qualitative analysis software (Atlas, ti).

RESULTS: Interviews will be completed as of January 2004. The paper will present results relating to the past, present and future role of FBOs as seen through the eyes of the various stakeholders, comparing and contrasting the perceived role that FBOs have played across the 6 study countries.

CONCLUSIONS: The aim of the research is to benefit those at risk of, infected or affected by the virus by providing empirical evidence to inform the policy dialogue and optimize future prevention, care and treatment activities undertaken by governments, civil society and FBOs.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Organizations, Virus Diseases, Interviews, Private Sector, Anti-HIV Agents, Prevalence, Research, Public Sector, Thailand, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, India, Haiti, therapy, prevention & control, organization & administration

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